This report addresses the issues of whether discrimination adversely affects the economic status of Asian Americans today, and whether this group's relative economic status has improved over time. The study separately examines the economic status of the following six largest Asian groups in America: (1) Chinese; (2) Filipinos; (3) Japanese; (4) Asian Indians; (5) Koreans; and (6) Vietnamese. Separate consideration is given to native-born and immigrant populations. Patterns in Asian immigration to the United States and trends in the skill composition of immigrants are traced for the years 1850 through 1980. Current population characteristics of the Asian American family are explored. The study reports on family economic status, including average earnings and the effect of number of contributors to family income. Factors influencing skill differentials, including educational attainment, work experience, and English-language proficiency, are studied. Analyses of earnings and employment for Asian men are presented, as well as studies of Asian women in the work force. A statistical approach is used to test for evidence of labor market discrimination against Asians. Changes in Asians' relative economic status between 1960 and 1980 are described, and recommendations for future research and data collection are forwarded. The report includes nine appendices, a bibliography, 78 statistical tables, and two figures. (AF)